Royal tour a relaxed family affair

When the Herald reported on the trip to Australia of Prince Charles, Lady Diana and Prince William in April 1983, it was with much the same sentiment that befits the son's visit, 31 years later: ''The main fear here is that the royal couple are going to get loved to death.''

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touch down in Sydney with their star attraction Prince George in tow on Wednesday afternoon, setting off what is sure to be a deluge of all things William, Catherine and third in line to the throne.

Arriving in Sydney on Wednesday: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: AFP

The duchess greeted New Zealand nine days ago wearing bold pillarbox red - nothing if not a declaration of confidence. All eyes will again be on her as she sets foot in Australia for the first time as a member of the royal family. Prince George, who is expected to make an entrance on his mother's hip, is the icing on the cake for onlookers.

After leaving the airport, the couple will be whisked to the Sydney Opera House, where they will be given the full royal tour and attend a welcome reception hosted by the Governor and Premier of NSW.

Large crowds, Union Jacks aloft, are expected at Bennelong Point for the royals' first public meet and greet on Australian soil.

On Thursday, they will visit fire-affected communities in the Blue Mountains and meet Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Admiralty House, while Friday is set aside for the Royal Easter Show, visiting a children's hospice and a life-saving display on Manly beach. After spending Saturday in Brisbane, the family will attend an Easter Sunday service at St Andrews Cathedral before a trip to Taronga Zoo.